Animal Shelter of MV hires shelter operator

The directors of the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard (ASMV) hired Lisa Burke Hayes of Edgartown as the full-time shelter operator.

Ms. Hayes was first hired part-time and has been operating the ASMV since the new organization took over on May 1, 2009, after the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said it could no longer afford to run the shelter.

Dukes County commissioners agreed to provide administrative support for the shelter and help fund operations if necessary from the county’s reserve account, with the understanding that the six Island towns would reimburse the county.

“The shelter has operated strictly on donations so far, and should conceivably be able to do the same next year, given that public support remains,” Dukes County manager Russell Smith said in a phone call last week.

The ASMV board advertised the shelter operator position in January and voted to hire Ms. Hayes on March 20. “The board decided to stay with Lisa because of the wonderful job she’s doing,” Mr. Smith said.

Before working at the shelter, Ms. Hayes started her career in animal care as a kennel assistant at Animal Health Care Associates and eventually became hospital administrator.